2012

Media releases between 14 December 2011 and 5 March 2012 are available on the Minister for Emergency Management's site in the National Library's PANDORA Archive.

May

• 4 May 2012 - Community recovery underway in Wagga
  The Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management, Nicola Roxon, today toured Wagga to see first-hand the recovery work underway following the severe flooding that hit the town earlier this year.

April

• 27 April 2010 - National Donating Guidelines to best help communities in need
  Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon and Emergency Services Minister Jennifer Rankine today launched guidelines to ensure that communities in need receive appropriate donations following a disaster.
• 27 April 2012 - Direct flood assistance for New South Wales
  Residents of the Central Darling and Forbes Local Government Areas in New South Wales who have been affected by recent flooding can claim payments of $1,000 for each adult and $400 for each child.
• 24 April 2012 - Additional flood assistance for New South Wales
  Additional assistance will be made available for flood-affected farms, businesses and communities in two New South Wales regions, Commonwealth Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher announced today.
• 12 April 2012 - Additional flood assistance for Victoria
  Additional assistance will be made available for flood-affected farms, businesses and communities in two Victorian communities, Commonwealth Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan announced today.

• 12 April 2012 - Additional flood assistance for New South Wales
  Additional assistance will be made available for flood-affected farms, businesses and communities in four New South Wales communities, Commonwealth Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher announced today.

• 12 April 2012 - More flood assistance for New South Wales and Victoria
  Residents of Coolamon, Gundagai, Tumbarumba and Tumut in New South Wales, and Towong and Indigo in Victoria who have been severely affected by recent flooding can claim payments of $1,000 for each adult and $400 for each child.

• 5 April 2012 - Australia Government floods assistance tops $17M
  Thousands of flood-affected residents in southern NSW and Northern Victoria have received more than $17 million in total over the past two-and-a-half weeks to help them get back on their feet.

• 5 April 2012 – Disaster assistance for the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay
  Two Queensland communities impacted by sudden heavy rainfall on 22 March will receive disaster assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth and Queensland Governments Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
• 5 April 2012 – Flood assistance for the top end
  Northern Territory communities impacted by heavy rains and flooding in February and March 2012 will receive disaster assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth and Northern Territory Government Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

March

• 27 March 2012 - More disaster assistance for New South Wales floods
  Four more New South Wales communities impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding in February and March will receive disaster assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth and Queensland Governments Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
• 24 March 2012 - Disaster assistance for WA communities affected by cyclone Lua
  Communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Lua and associated flooding in Western Australia will receive disaster assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth and Western Australian Government Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
• 24 March 2012 - Extra disaster assistance for Northern Queensland communities
  Another seven northern Queensland communities impacted by recent heavy rainfall and flooding will receive disaster assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth and Queensland Government Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements
• 23 March 2012 – Walgett residents receive disaster assistance
  Residents of Walgett who have been severely affected by recent flooding can claim Commonwealth payments of $1,000 for each adult and $400 for each child.
• 22 March 2012 – Disaster assistance for flood affected New South Wales residents
  Residents of Griffith, Leeton, Lockhart, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Urana, Wagga Wagga and Young who have been severely affected by recent flooding can claim Commonwealth payments of $1000 for each adult and $400 for each child.
• 21 March 2012 - Extra disaster assistance for New South Wales farms, businesses and communities
  Additional assistance will be made available for flood-affected farms, businesses and communities in eight New South Wales communities, Commonwealth Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher announced today.
• 21 March 2012 - Disaster assistance for Northern and Far Northern Queensland
  Communities impacted by recent heavy rainfall and flooding in northern Queensland will receive disaster assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth and Queensland Governments Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
• 19 March 2012 - More disaster assistance for New South Wales
  The Commonwealth Government today announced natural disaster assistance will be extended to another three communities in New South Wales hit by heavy rain and flooding in March 2012.
• 16 March 2012 - Release of final Queensland Floods Commission report
  Attorney-General Nicola Roxon today welcomed the release of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry’s Final Report.
• 16 March 2012 – Disaster Assistance for residents of Moira and Greater Shepparton
  Residents of Greater Shepparton and Moira who have been severely affected by recent storms and flooding can claim Commonwealth Government payments of $1000 for each adult and $400 for each child.
• 15 March 2012 - Extra disaster assistance for New South Wales floods
  The Commonwealth Government today announced natural disaster assistance will be extended to another three communities in New South Wales hit by heavy rain and flooding in March 2012.
• 13 March 2012 - Extra disaster assistance for New South Wales floods
  The Commonwealth Government today announced natural disaster assistance will be extended to another seven communities in New South Wales hit by heavy rain and flooding in March 2012.
• 9 March 2012 - Disaster Assistance for more New South Wales communities
  The Commonwealth Government today announced natural disaster assistance will be extended to another seven communities in New South Wales hit by heavy rain and flooding in March 2012.
• 9 March 2012 - Additional funding for Victorian flood-affected communities
  Additional support will be made available for flood-affected communities under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), Commonwealth Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan announced today.
• 8 March 2012 - First stage of state and territory disaster insurance review welcomed
  The Department of Finance and Deregulation today released a report completing the first stage of the review of state and territory insurance arrangements for state-owned assets, such as buildings, roads and bridges.
• 6 March 2012 - Flood Assistance for New South Wales and Victoria
  The Australian Government today announced additional flood recovery assistance for communities in New South Wales and Victoria affected by recent flooding.
• 1 March 2012 - Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme open in Victoria
The Commonwealth Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland and Victorian Deputy Premier, Peter Ryan have today encouraged organisations to apply for the 2012-13, Victorian Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme.
• 1 March 2012 - If it is flooded, forget it - stay safe during flash flooding
  Heavy rain is expected across much of Central and South Eastern Australia, with some areas of heavy rain likely to produce flash flooding over the coming days.

February

• 29 February 2012 - Natural Disaster Resilience Program grants open in the Northern Territory
  The Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland, and Northern Territory Chief Minister and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Paul Henderson have today encouraged organisations to apply for funds available as part of the 2012-13, Northern Territory Natural Disaster Resilience Program.
• 29 February 2012 - Natural Disaster Resilience Program grants open in Tasmania
  The Commonwealth Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland, and Tasmanian Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David O’Byrne has today encouraged organisations to apply for the 2012-13, Tasmanian Natural Disaster Resilience Program.
• 29 February 2012 - Over $4.3 million to boost natural disaster resilience across Western Australia
  Communities across Western Australia will benefit from more then $4.3 million in funding to improve preparedness for natural disasters.

• 27 February 2012 - Disaster Assistance for North Coast Storms and Flooding
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland, today announced that financial assistance will be made available in the local government areas of Gympie and Sunshine Coast following storms and flooding from 24-26 February 2012.

• 22 February 2012 - Anniversary of Christchurch earthquake
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland, today acknowledged the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.

• 21 February 2012 - Flood assistance extended to Quilpie
  Federal Minister for Emergency Management Robert McClelland and Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin today announced additional disaster assistance would be extended to the Eastern area of Quilpie Shire Council following the floods of January 2012.

• 20 February 2012 – Additional Council areas activated for natural disaster assistance
  Commonwealth Emergency Management Minister, Robert McClelland and Queensland Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts today announced that the Moreton Bay and Torres Strait Islands regional councils were now able to access financial assistance to cover the costs incurred during recent natural disasters.

• 16 February 2012 - Disaster Assistance for South East Queensland Councils
  Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh today announced that joint State and Federal Government assistance would be made available to local government areas affected by heavy rainfall across South East Queensland in late January.

• 15 February 2012 - Disaster Assistance for Western Sydney Storms and Flooding
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that the Australian Government is providing natural disaster assistance to Western Sydney communities hit by storms and flash flooding in February, 2012.

• 14 February 2012 - $2.8 million to boost natural disaster resilience in South Australia
  Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, and South Australian Minister for Emergency Services, Jennifer Rankine MP, today announced that South Australia will benefit from $2.85 million in Commonwealth and State funding to improve preparedness for natural disasters.

• 10 February 2012 - Disaster assistance for Far North Queensland
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland and Queensland Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts today announced that financial assistance will be made available to communities affected by the tropical low that caused heavy rainfall and strong winds in Far North Queensland on February 3 and 4.

• 9 February 2012 - Free DisasterWatch Smartphone app passes 10,000 downloads
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that more than 10,000 Australians now get the latest official disaster information in the palm of their hand thanks to the Australian Government’s free DisasterWatch smartphone app.

• 7 February 2012 - Black Saturday Anniversary: A time for reflection and recovery
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, and Minister for Families and Community Services Jenny Macklin today marked the third anniversary of 2009 Victorian Bushfires as an occasion for remembering those who died, those who were injured and those displaced by the disaster – as well as looking to keep building a brighter future for the communities still recovering.

• 7 February 2012 - Commonwealth disaster payment delivered in record time
  The Gillard Government is already helping hundreds of people affected by floods in Queensland and New South Wales, with $1.1 million in payments made within 12 hours of the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) being activated.

• 7 February 2012 - Further assistance for flood affected communities in Queensland
  Prime Minister Julia Gillard today announced that clean-up and recovery grants of up to $25,000 will be provided to communities in Queensland inundated by recent floods.

• 6 February 2012 - Australian Government provides additional disaster assistance for Queensland and Northern NSW
  The Australian Government today activated direct payments of additional disaster assistance for communities in Queensland and Northern NSW hit by flooding as a result of recent heavy rainfall

• 6 February 2012 - Ministers visit flood-affected NSW and Queensland
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, and Minister for Human Services Brendan O’Connor, today flew in to flood-affected NSW and Queensland to see firsthand the damage done by recent events

• 3 February 2012 - Federal government flies in to support Queensland
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today approved the activation of the Australian Government Disaster Response Plan – COMDISPLAN – as floodwaters forced evacuations and isolated some towns in parts of Queensland.

• 3 February 2012 - Federal disaster assistance for tropical cyclone Heidi
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced the Australian Government is providing natural disaster assistance to Western Australian communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Heidi in January 2012.

• 3 February 2012 – Strengthening Trans-Tasman ties through disaster management
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today said the deep bonds of friendship between Australia and New Zealand have been strengthened through the recent natural disasters endured by both countries.
• 2 February 2012 - Assistance for western and north-western Queensland
  Federal Minister for Emergency Management Robert McClelland, Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh, Ms Bligh said the Burke, Central Highlands, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Flinders, Murweh, Richmond, Carpentaria, Quilpie, McKinlay and Mount Isa councils could now access assistance to cover the cost of counter disaster operations and to restore damaged public assets.
• 2 February 2012 - Federal Government flies in bedding for residents after floods near Moree
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, has this afternoon approved the activation of the Australian Government Disaster Plan – COMDISPLAN – as floodwaters rise in Northern NSW.
• 2 February 2012 - Federal disaster assistance for New South Wales
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that financial assistance will be made available to NSW communities affected by recent heavy rain and flooding.
• 1 February 2012 - Heed warnings about the dangers of floodwaters
  We note with sadness the news this morning of a man’s death amid floodwaters near Grafton in Northern NSW last night.

January

• 31 January 2012 - Federal Government assistance for Northern NSW after floods
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that the Australian Government is providing natural disaster assistance to Northern New South Wales communities hit by heavy rainfall and flooding in January, 2012.

• 31 January 2012 - Australia and Thailand share disaster management knowledge
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today welcomed a visiting delegation from the Royal Thai Air Force, to AEMI, the Australian Emergency Management Institute at Mt Macedon in Victoria to share information on disaster management.

• 20 January 2012 - Disaster assistance for Walgett and Brewarrina
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that the federal Labor Government is providing natural disaster assistance to two new Northern NSW communities hit by severe weather and flooding in November, 2011.

• 13 January 2012 - National phone warning system gets upgrade thanks to Commonwealth and Victorian Governments
  Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, and Acting Victorian Premier Peter Ryan today announced that the Victorian Government has signed a contract with Telstra Corporation to enhance the national Emergency Alert telephone warning system with world-first technology.

• 10 January 2012 - Assistance for West Australians affected by severe thunderstorms and flooding
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced natural disaster assistance for communities in the southwest inland parts of Western Australia affected by severe thunderstorms and flooding between 30 and 31 December 2011.

2011

December

• 29 December 2011 - Top End gets assistance following Tropical Cyclone Grant
  Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP and the Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced that financial assistance will be made available to repair damaged roads and bridges and help communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Grant.
• 28 December 2011 - Assistance available following hail storms and flash flooding in Melbourne on Christmas Day
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that financial assistance will be made available to households affected by the hail and flash flooding that hit Melbourne on 25 December, 2011.
• 23 December 2011 - Assistance available following flooding across Victoria
  Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP and the Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan today announced that financial assistance will be made available to communities affected by the heavy rain and flash flooding across Victoria on 18 and 19 December 2011. 
• 22 December 2011 - Disaster assistance for flood affected Southern Queensland
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced the federal Labour Government will provide natural disaster assistance to help communities within the Southern Queensland region affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding.

• 22 December 2011 - New website to tackle bushfire arson
  Minister for Emergency Management Robert McClelland today launched a new website to reduce the number of deliberately lit bushfires in Australia.

• 21 December 2011 - Disaster assistance for Western Australia
  Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that the federal Labour Government will provide natural disaster assistance to help communities hit by severe thunderstorms and flooding in the Great Southern region of Western Australia on Tuesday 6 and Monday 12 December, 2011.

• 15 December 2011 - Funding to boost natural disaster resilience across the ACT
  The Canberra community will benefit from more than $1 million in funding to improve preparedness for natural disasters, Commonwealth Minister for Emergency Management Robert McClelland and the ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Simon Corbell announced today.
• 14 December 2011 - Have your say on Emergency Messaging Standards in Australia
  New Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today invited all Australians to have their say on a proposed standard for national emergency messaging systems.

All links below point to the National Library of Australia's Pandora Archive.

• 13 December 2011 - More than $5 million to boost natural disaster resilience across Tasmania
  Communities across Tasmania will benefit from more than $5 million in funding to improve preparedness for natural disasters the Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Tasmania’s Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David O’Byrne, announced today.
• 9 December 2011 - Disaster Mapper to teach kids about natural hazards
  Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today launched a new web resource to help school students and teachers find information about disasters.
• 8 December 2011 - New DisasterWatch smartphone application
  Australians can now download a free Smartphone application to get quick and easy access to information about emergencies and disasters across the country.
• 8 December 2011 - Disaster Resilience theme in safer communities project
  At a ceremony in Canberra today, Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, congratulated the winners of the 12th Annual Australian Safer Communities Awards for their contribution to emergency management and disaster resilience.
• 8 December 2011 - Victorian Floods review final report
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the release of the final report of the Review of the 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response.
• 5 December 2011 - Emergency Volunteers thanked on International Volunteers Day
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today recognised the special role of emergency services volunteers in Australia as part of International Volunteer Day celebrations across the world.

November

• 29 November 2011 - Assistance for Northern New South Wales Floods
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced three Local Government Areas in Northern NSW are now eligible for disaster assistance for the severe flooding which commenced on 25 November 2011.
• 29 November 2011 - Assistance available following severe storms across Victoria
  Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and the Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan today announced that financial assistance will be made available to communities across Victoria affected by the severe storms on 9 and 10 November 2011.
• 28 November 2011 - Disaster assistance for Margaret River fires
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced natural disaster assistance for Western Australia following catastrophic bushfires which commenced on 23 November 2011.
• 14 November 2011 - Fixing flood insurance
  Every Australian seeking to purchase or renew home and contents insurance will be offered flood cover using a common sense definition of ‘flood’ under proposals announced today by Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten and Attorney General Robert McClelland.
• 11 November 2011 - Communique - Standing Council on Police and Emergency Management
  The inaugural meeting of the Standing Council on Police and Emergency Management (SCPEM) was held today in Auckland, New Zealand.
• 11 November 2011 - Progress on bushfire arson prevention plan
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Home Affairs and Justice Brendan O’Connor today thanked State and Territory Governments for their ongoing work in the fight against bushfire arson.
• 11 November 2011 - Strengthening Triple Zero services during a disaster
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced Police and Emergency Management Ministers from Australia and New Zealand have agreed to implement improvements to the national Triple Zero service.
• 3 November 2011 - Extension of Victorian bushfire rebuilding assistance
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan today announced that local councils still rebuilding from the 2009 bushfires will now have an extra year to claim reconstruction funding.

October

• 30 October 2011 - Update your phone details to prepare for disaster season
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today urged Australians to update their mobile phone service address so they can receive Emergency Alert disaster warning text messages this summer.
• 17 October 2011 - New Australia Crisis Coordination Centre
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today opened the new Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre (CCC) in Canberra, which will improve the Government’s capability to respond to large scale natural disasters or acts of terrorism.

• 13 October 2011 - Australians urged to prepare for summer's disaster season
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today marked the United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction by encouraging Australians to think about what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming disaster season.

• 7 October 2011 - Queensland pre-disaster season preparations
  The Australian Government’s Emergency Management Australia (EMA) will meet with police, fire authorities and other Queensland emergency services in Brisbane today as part of preparations for the upcoming bushfire and disaster season.

• 6-7 October 2011 - Communiqué - National Floods Forum
  The first National Floods Forum held in Brisbane from 6 – 7 October 2011.  The Forum was opened by Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

• 5 October 2011 – Victorian pre-disaster season briefing
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland said Emergency Management Australia (EMA) will meet with police, fire authorities and other emergency services in Victoria today as part of preparations for the upcoming bushfire and disaster season.
• 4 October 2011 - National pre-disaster season briefings start
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced Emergency Management Australia (EMA) will today begin operational briefings with police, fire authorities and other emergency services in each State and Territory in preparation for the upcoming bushfire and disaster season.

September

• 14 September 2011 - Continuing the Queensland rebuild as Commonwealth responds to Commission of Inquiry
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said the Australian Government will accept all of the recommendations made to it by the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry’s interim report as reconstruction work across the state continues at pace.

• 6 September 2011 - Funding to boost natural disaster resilience across Victoria
  Communities across Victoria will benefit from more than $6 million in funding to improve preparedness for natural disasters, Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan announced today.

• 1 September 2011 - Australia's emergency alert system working well
  Australia’s national telephone based emergency warning system - Emergency Alert - is working well and an overwhelming majority of households alerted during an emergency found it invaluable, according to a new report released today by Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

August

• 11 August 2011 - Further assistance to New South Wales flood affected communities
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced additional assistance for the NSW Mid North Coast under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

• 5 August 2011 - $3.6 million for emergency management initiatives
  The Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the Gillard Government will invest a $3.6 million under the National Emergency Management Program this financial year to assist Australian communities better prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters and emergencies.

• 1 August 2011 - Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry Interim Report
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the release of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry’s Interim Report.

July

• 29 July 2011 - Improving Triple Zero's disaster capacity
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Australian Government will fund the development of a National Emergency Smartphone Application to improve access to disaster information and help reduce call volumes to Triple Zero (000) during natural disasters.

• 29 July 2011 - Communiqué - Australia, NZ Police and Emergency Management Ministerial Meeting
  Australian and New Zealand Police and Emergency Management Ministers met jointly for the first time on the 28-29 July in Wellington. Police and Emergency Management Ministers have previously met through separate ministerial councils.

• 29 July 2011 - National Strategy for the Prevention of Bushfire Arson
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed agreement from Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to endorse a National Strategy for the Prevention of Bushfire Arson.
  

• 22 July 2011 - Further assistance for NSW communities hit by storms in early July
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced Wollongong, Kiama and Lithgow Local Government Areas are now eligible for disaster assistance following the severe weather that hit New South Wales earlier this month.

• 8 July 2011 - Disaster assistance for NSW communities hit by severe weather
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Commonwealth Government will provide disaster assistance to communities affected by this week’s severe weather in New South Wales.

• 6 July 2011 - Commonwealth responds to Senate report on bushfires
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said the Commonwealth Government has tabled its response to the Senate Select Committee on Agricultural and Related Industries’ report on bushfire mitigation and preparedness in Australia.

June

• 28 June 2011 - National forum to help fight bushfire arson
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland will today open the third National Forum for the Prevention of Bushfire Arson in Canberra, which this year will focus on educating the community about arsonists and their behaviour.

• 23 June 2011 - Further disaster assistance for the Upper Hunter and Mid-North Coast of NSW
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that Maitland City Council and Great Lakes Shire Council Shires in NSW are now eligible for disaster assistance from the Australian Government following last week's flooding.

• 20 June 2011 - Disaster assistance for eighteen flood-affected shires in NSW
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced four more Local Government Areas affected by last week's flooding in New South Wales are now eligible for disaster assistance from the Australian Government.

• 17 June 2011 - Disaster assistance for five more areas in flood-affected NSW
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced Australian Government disaster assistance is now available in fourteen Local Government Areas affected by severe flooding in New South Wales.

• 16 June 2011 - Further disaster assistance for flood-affected NSW
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Australian Government will extend disaster assistance to a further five Local Government Areas affected by severe flooding in New South Wales.

• 15 June 2011 - Disaster assistance for flood-affected NSW communities
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Australian Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by serious flooding in New South Wales.

• 8 June 2011 - Further clean-up assistance for South Eastern and Central West NSW
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced further assistance for small businesses and primary producers recovering from the flooding and severe storms that hit South Eastern and Central West NSW in late March.

• 6 June 2011 - Steering Committee on national broadband capability for police and emergency services
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released the terms of reference for a multi-jurisdictional Steering Committee to develop a plan to equip Australia's public safety agencies with reliable and robust mobile broadband capability.

May

• 30 May 2011 - 2011 Emergency Management Volunteers Summit
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland will today open the third National Emergency Management Volunteers Summit in Canberra, acknowledging the enormous contribution of around 500,000 emergency volunteers from across Australia
• 24 May 2011 - Australian emergency personnel thanked for their efforts in New Zealand and Japan
  Prime Minister Julia Gillard tonight hosted a reception at Parliament House to thank the Australian rescuers, medical experts, police and Australian Defence Force personnel involved in the emergency responses to the Christchurch earthquake and the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
• 13 May 2011 - Further assistance for disaster-affected NSW communities
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean today announced disaster assistance for NSW small businesses and primary producers recovering from severe rainfall and flooding in early February.
• 10 May 2011 - Discussions on National Broadband for Police and Emergency Services
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Stephen Conroy today met with State and Territory public safety agencies and representatives of the telecommunications industry to discuss the development of a national mobile broadband capability for police and emergency services.
• 5 May 2011 - Third round of Disaster Resilience Program launched
  Local councils and non-government organisations have again been invited to partner with the Australian and Queensland Governments on projects that enhance the community’s resilience to natural disasters.

April

• 28 April 2011 - Experts meet in Sydney to discuss disaster resilience
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland will today join disaster management and mitigation experts from around Australia at a forum convened by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) to discuss new approaches to building disaster resilience.
• 23 April 2011 - Commonwealth Assistance to rebuild flood-damaged infrastructure in the Territory
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said the Australian Government will provide financial support to the Northern Territory Government to assist communities impacted by recent flooding.
• 21 April 2011 - Commonwealth Assistance for Queenslanders impacted by this week's flooding
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Commonwealth Government will provide assistance for people in Queensland affected by this week’s flooding.
• 21 April 2011 - Commonwealth Assistance for Warmun in Western Australia
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Australian Government will provide further financial assistance to assist with the re-establishment of the Warmun community, which was impacted by flooding in March.
• 15 April 2011 - Ongoing assistance for flood and cyclone victims
  Attorney General Robert McClelland and Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek today said thousands of flood and cyclone victims approaching their last income subsidy payment are now being contacted about future assistance.
• 13 April 2011 - Further assistance for people in bushfire-affected Lake Clifton
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be extended to residents in the Lake Clifton area in Perth who were affected by bushfires earlier this year.
• 13 April 2011 - Further assistance for flood-affected communities in Western and North Western NSW
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be extended to the North Western Region and Mid Western Regional Local Government Area in New South Wales.
• 7 April 2011 - New resource to help improve business resilience
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today launched a new publication to help businesses prepare for and recover from natural disasters and other hazards.
• 5 April 2011 - Government welcomes launch of new Flood Insurance Guide
  The Commonwealth Government today welcomed the launch of Legal Aid Queensland’s When disaster strikes – cyclones, storms and floods: A guide to getting your insurance claim paid, a new self-help guide designed to help Queenslanders with their insurance claims after a storm, cyclone or flood.
• 4 April 2011 - New wildfire arson investigation training
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Australian pilot of new specialist arson investigation training for police and fire agencies to help them catch bushfire arsonists.

March

• 31 March 2011 - Commonwealth assistance for Northern Tasmanian floods
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities in Northern Tasmania affected by last week’s flooding to help restore critical public infrastructure.
• 31 March 2011 - Assistance for Shire of Toodyay following severe thunderstorm
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Commonwealth Government will provide natural disaster assistance to the Local Government Area of Toodyay in Western Australia following a severe thunderstorm on 21 March 2011.
• 30 March 2011 - Commonwealth assistance for Gippsland floods
   Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities in the Gippsland region in Victoria that were affected by last week’s floods.
• 24 March 2011 - Further assistance for flood-affected NSW communities
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said Commonwealth Government financial assistance for flood affected communities in the Illawarra/South Coast region of New South Wales will be extended to Shoalhaven City and Eurobodalla Local Government Areas.
• 23 March 2011 - Assistance for flood-affected New South Wales communities
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by recent flooding in the Illawarra/South Coast region of New South Wales.
• 22 March 2011 - Flood levy passes Parliament providing kick-start to rebuilding process
  Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister Assisting the Attorney-General on Queensland Floods Recovery Joe Ludwig today welcomed the passage of the Commonwealth Government’s Flood and Cyclone Levy Bill through the Parliament.
• 22 March 2011 - Urban Search and Rescue Team returns home today
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland said Australia’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team will return to Sydney at lunchtime today after spending last week in Northern Honshu searching for survivors from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
• 18 March 2011 - Australian urban search and rescue team to return home
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said Australia’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team will begin winding up operations this afternoon as the response to last week’s Japanese earthquake and tsunami moves from search and rescue into recovery mode.
• 17 March 2011 - Disaster assistance for flood-affected Kimberley region
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced Commonwealth assistance for communities affected by heavy rainfall and serious flooding in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
• 12 March 2011 - Australian search and rescue assistance for Japan
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland said Australia will send a team of 72 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) specialists to Japan today to assist with rescue efforts following yesterday afternoon’s devastating earthquake.
• 7 March 2011 - Commonwealth assistance for disaster hit Western Australian communities
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said Commonwealth assistance for Western Australian communities impacted by severe storms in recent weeks is now available.
• 5 March 2011 - Attorney-General visits Christchurch to thank Australians
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland will visit Christchurch today to thank the hundreds of Australians working in the city to help the community recover from last week’s earthquake.
• 1 March 2011 - New Urban Search and Rescue Team to be deployed to Christchurch
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said Australia will deploy a new Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team to New Zealand as the two USAR Teams sent to Christchurch immediately after the earthquake return home at the end of the week.
• 1 March 2011 - Assistance for residents and businesses affected by Cyclone Carlos
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today reminded Western Australia communities affected by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Carlos last week that assistance from the Commonwealth Government is available.

February

• 24 February 2011 - Medical expertise arrives in New Zealand
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland said an Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) comprising 25 doctors, nurses and surgeons has arrived in Christchurch to provide medical help to people injured in Tuesday’s earthquake.
• 23 February 2011 - Australian medical and police support for New Zealand
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said 300 Australian Police Officers as well as Australian medical staff and a field hospital will be deployed to Christchurch to provide emergency assistance following a request from the New Zealand Government.
• 22 February 2011 - Further Australian assistance for New Zealand
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland tonight said Australia will double the number of Urban Search and Rescue specialists being deployed to New Zealand to help with the Christchurch earthquake disaster.
• 14 February - COAG adopts National Disaster Resilience Strategy
  Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the Council of Australian Governments’ adoption of a National Disaster Resilience Strategy.
• 11 February 2011 - Further Commonwealth assistance for victims of WA bushfires
  Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced additional Commonwealth Government assistance for people impacted by the bushfires in Western Australia earlier this week.
• 11 February 2011 - Communiqué - Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management - Emergency Management
  An extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management – Emergency Management (MCPEM-EM) was convened in Canberra today. The Commonwealth Attorney-General, and State, Territory and New Zealand emergency management Ministers, along with the Australian Local Government Association, discussed the priorities for building the nation’s resilience, in light of the unprecedented number, severity and scale of natural disaster events over summer. 
• 11 February 2011 - Emergency Services Ministers debrief on unprecedented disaster season
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland will today join Emergency Services Ministers from the States and Territories in Canberra to debrief on one of the most devastating natural disaster seasons in Australia’s history.
• 7 February 2011 - Emergency assistance for bushfire-affected communities in WA
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said the Commonwealth Government will provide assistance for communities in Western Australia hit by severe bushfires over the past 72 hours.
• 7 February 2011 - Assistance for flood-affected communities in Victoria
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said Commonwealth assistance will be extended to areas in Victoria affected by severe rainfall and flooding over the weekend.
• 3 February 2011 - Commonwealth assistance for Queenslanders impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasi
  Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced Commonwealth Government assistance for people in Far North Queensland affected by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
• 2 February 2011 - Media Statement - Tropical Cyclone Yasi
  This evening, communities across Far North Queensland will experience the full force of Category Five Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it reaches landfall.
• 1 February 2011 - Australian Defence Force support to prepare for Cyclone Yasi
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland said he has activated the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Disaster Plan – COMDISPLAN – this afternoon as Tropical Cyclone Yasi heads towards the Queensland coast.

January

• 31 January 2011 - More funding for Queensland flood legal help
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Australian Government will provide an additional $200,000 in funding to help ensure Queenslanders affected by the floods crisis have ready access to legal information and advice.
• 28 January 2011 - Small businesses and producers urged to apply for flood assistance
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today joined Member for Lyons Dick Adams in Northern Tasmania to encourage small businesses and producers impacted by flooding earlier in the month to claim disaster assistance.
• 27 January 2011 - New awards for National Heroes (Prime Minister's website)
  The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard has written to the Governor-General recommending that the Queen establish a new medal for people who have performed extraordinary acts or services during a national emergency.
• 21 January 2011 - Disaster Assistance paid passes $225 million
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said more than $225 million in Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments (AGDRP) have been made to Queenslanders impacted by the floods crisis.
• 20 January 2011 - Misinformation about disaster assistance unhelpful for Victorians
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland today corrected misinformation from the Opposition about disaster assistance for flood-affected Victorians
• 19 January 2011 - Locals urged to apply for flood assistance
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Member for Page Janelle Saffin today encouraged people affected by recent flooding in the Northern NSW to apply for Commonwealth disaster assistance
• 19 January 2011 - Further Commonwealth assistance for Victorian flood affected communities
  Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced further Commonwealth assistance for Victorian communities impacted by recent severe flooding.
• 18 January 2011 - Short and long-term assistance to help communities rebuild
  Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister Assisting the Attorney-General on the Queensland Flood Recovery Joe Ludwig today joined Member for Blair Shayne Neumann in Ipswich to meet residents impacted by the floods and thank emergency services personnel.
• 15 January 2011 - Extra disaster assistance for flood-affected communities in Northern NSW
  Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced additional disaster assistance for communities in Northern NSW experiencing flooding as a result of floodwaters from Queensland entering the state.
• 12 January 2011 - Further disaster assistance for flood-affected WA communities
  The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Acting Attorney-General, Stephen Smith today announced further assistance for primary producers and small businesses affected by flooding in Carnarvon and the Upper Gascoyne in Western Australia.
• 7 January 2011 - Australian Government Disaster Payments near $3 million
  Acting Attorney-General Brendan O’Connor and Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore today said more $2.9 million in Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments (AGDRP) have so far been paid to people affected by the Queensland floods crisis.
• 6 January 2011 - Help on hand for the people of Rockhampton
  Acting Attorney-General Brendan O’Connor will today join Federal Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore in Rockhampton to witness first-hand the aftermath of yesterday’s Fitzroy River peak and ensure Commonwealth assistance is reaching the hundreds of residents in need.
• 4 January 2011 - Flood-affected residents urged to apply for assistance
  Acting Attorney-General Brendan O’Connor and Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek today encouraged the thousands of residents significantly affected by some of the worst flooding in Queensland’s history to lodge a claim for the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).